Kuca Kamena

A Historical Home Restored with Artistic Flair

This small holiday letting in Croatia is located in the heart of the beautiful coastal town of Novigrad in Dalmatia. Originally built in the 16th century, it was recently restored bringing in contemporary flair while preserving small, characterful imperfections. A great property for two to four guests.

To read a Conversation with the owner, visit our Stories section here.

This beautiful little property on the Adriatic coast of Dalmatia was recently restored by local artist and designer Boris Kajmak. A stone house with a long history, it has been through several transformations and the ravages of war. Today, however, it's a sweet little holiday letting in Croatia, perfect for a couple or small family. In renovating the property, Kajmak used traditional techniques to preserve the feel of the building, its sounds, smells and shapes.

It's designed for slow living, to follow the sleepy pace of the town that surrounds it and to preserve some of the artist's strongest childhood memories. Beams and stone walls are exposed, bringing the property a wonderfully earthy feel, and we love the original floorboards and the bricks lining the ground floor.

Furnishings are a blend of old and cosy, with contemporary. Occasional splashes of primary colors bring the rooms to life. The ground floor is the kitchen, dining and living area, with a couch that converts into a queen-sized bed.

A hatch opens up the upper floor, leading to the "writer's room" then the master bedroom. The bathroom is located in a separate structure on the main terrace. There is also a cold water shower mounted to its exterior wall. A lower terrace houses the secluded garden and laundry facility. A Croatian vacation rental with a great deal of heart and soul.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

There is a wood-burning stove on each floor. Bedding and towels are included in the price. There is a fully-fitted kitchen with refrigerator/freezer, glass ceramic cooker, kettle, moka pot, cookware, crockery and cutlery. There is an old record player in the house with a selection of old LP classics. The house has no air conditioning and no TV.

AROUND

Novigrad, Dalmatia - not to be confused with Croatia's three other Novigrads - is located on the banks of a secluded fjord along the Adriatic coast, and far off the beaten track. In fact it only has 542 permanent residents. In the summer months, this number swells somewhat, with relatives returning home, giving it a gentle buzz.

Known for its fishing and traditional folk entertainment, the town is also well located for exploring the great outdoors as it is surrounded by four national parks: Paklenica, Plitvice Lakes, Kornati and Krka. Boat trips can also be arranged. The house is located in the very center of town, above a market and bakery.

There is no parking beside the house, but guests can park at the waterfront and walk.

LOCATION

Novigrad, Dalmatia, Croatia. Nearest airport: Zadar (33km), Split (130km), Rijeka (195km), Zagreb (280km).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to October

 

PHOTOGRAPHY: Tom de Gay